FEMA Public Service Announcements

Earthquake: 60s

9. Reducing Risk in the House

ANNCR: Earthquakes strike suddenly, and without warning. Doing a little advance planning can help reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life.

First, fasten freestanding shelves securely to walls so they won't suddenly topple over. Large or heavy objects will stand a better chance of surviving intact if placed on lower shelves. Also store flammable products on the bottom shelves of cabinets with latches. Right now, before the next earthquake, repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections and secure your water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.

For more free information on earthquake preparedness and mitigation, visit the FEMA website at w-w-w-dot-FEMA-dot-gov.

Plan ahead to survive the next earthquake, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

10. General Preparedness Info

ANNCR: Will you be prepared when the next earthquake strikes? Right now, while you still have time to take precautions, gather items to make a life-saving emergency supply kit. You'll need a waterproof flashlight, a portable battery-operated radio and lots of extra batteries. A first aid kit is essential, and you'll want a three-day supply of food and three gallons of water for everyone in the family. Don't forget a non-electric can opener.

Ask your local Red Cross chapter for the location of shelters in your area, and make sure that everyone in your family knows where they are and how to get there by at least two alternate routes. For more free information on earthquake preparedness and mitigation, visit the FEMA website at w-w-w-dot-FEMA-dot-gov. Plan ahead to survive the next earthquake, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

11. Identify Safe Areas Indoors and Outdoors

ANNCR: You just never know where you're going to be when the next earthquake strikes. That's why it's so important to take a few minutes now to identify safe places in and around your home and business. Inside, look for sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table and plan to get under it in a hurry. If there isn't any heavy furniture, be prepared to stand as close as you can to an inside wall, away from glass such as mirrors, windows or pictures. And not too close to heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture which could fall over.

Outdoors, you'll be safer if you get away from buildings, trees, overhead telephone and electrical lines, overpasses or elevated expressways. For more free information on earthquake preparedness and mitigation, visit the FEMA website at w-w-w-dot-f-e-m-a-dot-gov. Listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

12. Utilities and Pets

ANNCR: An earthquake in your area may change your whole life overnight. Earthquakes may threaten your property, and even your life. Now is the time to prepare your home and family in order to survive the next earthquake.

Earthquakes can cause structural damage to your home or property that breaks electric, gas and water lines. It's important to take a few minutes right now to teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water to help prevent additional damage to your home.

Pets are not allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on local emergency animal shelters. Make arrangements with care providers for pets before you and your family have to seek emergency shelter. Plan ahead to survive the next earthquake, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

13. Get Information, Emergency Communications Plan

ANNCR: It's important for the safety and well being of your family that you act immediately to prepare for an earthquake. Food, water and first aid are essential. Plan on one gallon of water per person per day. Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food, including medications. Have two first aid kits.

It's always a good idea to develop a family emergency communication plan. Families should have a plan for getting back together in case they're separated during a disaster. Have everyone agree to call an out-of-town friend or relative and leave a message about where you can be found. For other important safety information visit the FEMA website at w-w-w-dot-f-e-m-a-dot-gov, or contact your local Red Cross. Plan ahead to survive the next earthquake, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

14. Discuss Earthquake Safety With Your Children

ANNCR: Earthquakes strike suddenly, and without warning. Children are particularly at risk if they don't know what to do. Teach your children about protecting themselves during earthquakes. Be sure to point out places of safety in every room, and for fun, have them practice diving for cover under a heavy table or desk. Explain to your children that if they are inside when they feel a tremor, they should stay in the building and away from windows and glass doors. If they are outside, they should move quickly into an open area.

Surviving the next earthquake may be simply a matter of making the right choice. Teach your children to choose safely. For free information on helping kids prepare, visit the FEMA for Kids Website at w-w-w-dot-FEMA-dot-gov slash kids. Plan ahead to survive the next earthquake, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

15. Earthquake: Survival Information

ANNCR: Earthquakes can strike suddenly, and without warning. Whether you're at work or at home during an earthquake, take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside wall, and hold on! Stay inside. The most dangerous thing to do during an earthquake is to try to leave the building, exposing yourself to the risk of injury from falling objects.

If you are outdoors, move into the open and away from buildings, streetlights and utility wires. Remember, if it's taller than you are it can fall on you. If you're in a moving vehicle, stop quickly where it's safe, and remain in the vehicle. For more free information on what to do before, during and after an earthquake, visit the FEMA website at w-w-w-dot-FEMA-dot-gov. Plan ahead to survive the next earthquake, and listen to this station for more information from local authorities and FEMA.

16. Returning Home: Check for Damage to Utilities

ANNCR: Earthquake dangers do not end when the ground stops shaking. Damaged buildings. Downed power lines, natural gas leaks and spilled chemicals all pose hidden dangers. When returning home after an earthquake exercise extreme caution.

Do not flick on lights or anything electric until you have thoroughly checked for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can or call the Gas Company from outside your home.

Also check your electrical system. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires or if you smell hot insulation turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. DO NOT step in water to do this. Call an electrician for help in that situation. Plan ahead to survive the next earthquake, and listen to this station for more information from local authorities and FEMA.